Making people aware about an environmental issue in your neighbourhood

If you’re reading this, it’s very likely you’re concerned about an environmental issue in your area.

Do you care about wildlife conservation or want to raise environmental awareness about pollution, waste or recycling challenges in your neighbourhood? You might be a scientist, teacher or researcher eager to introduce an environmental education or sustainable development project in your community. Whether you’re a student or a consultant, whatever environmental endeavour you’re keen to get off of the ground, our network of sustainable friends is here to help. If you don’t know where to start there are projects underway in neighbourhoods around the world, and by exploring and getting to know our sustainable friends you can find inspiration and source support.

1. Share your environmental concerns

Begin by telling friends, family and neighbours about your environmental concerns. Encourage them to help you start a group – whether it’s a conservation club to improve your neighbourhood directly by creating wildlife habitats, or a campaign for change on a local and global issue like traffic and pollution. Once you’ve started to shape a group of supporters, it’s time to spread the word.

2. Online campaigns

Online campaigns are a low cost way to promote your project. Use Twitter and Facebook and set up a simple website or create an initiative webpage in Sustainable Friends to reach potential supporters, explain the issue and call for help. A number of online petition platforms are available and encouraging people to sign up to these will give your cause credibility such as:

Parliament UK– UK Parliament now has a petition platform – to get real action support of MPs for the cause needs to be sought to ensure the issue is debated.

Even some local councils run their own e-petitions, so if your issue is of local concern check if your council do.

3. Growing your group

So, you and your friends have publicised your petition on Twitter and Facebook and loads of people have signed it – what do you do next? Make the most of the enthusiasm for your cause generated by your petition by encouraging action. You can do this by arranging a meeting for potential volunteers, or organising a conservation work day. Invite local press, radio, TV and any online news service along – and tell your story.Ask existing community or conservation groups to sign up to support the cause, and write to local politicians – councillors and MPs.

4. Finding Funds

While raising awareness of your issuing and gathering support you may well need funds to put ideas into action. With the help of your supporters set up your fundraising campaign – this can include seeking sponsorship from local business, applying for any grants available or creating a Crowdfunder.In addition, by adding your initiative to Sustainable Friends you’ll reach a local and global network of potential funders and volunteers.

We’re inviting everyone who is keen to make a difference to the environment they live in – whether it’s in the city or a rural district, to add your sustainable initiative to our growing group of sustainable friends. Getting your idea on our world map of sustainability will enable you get support, raise funds and inspire people in your community and beyond.